Listen to anyone and they'll tell you: the European Ryder Cup captaincy for 2014 at Gleneagles is a two-horse race between Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and Ireland's Paul McGinley.

In fact, some have suggested that when the announcement is made by the European Tour in the coming weeks, it will make its selection for both 2014 and 2016, with Clarke and McGinley captaining one or the other.

But, as college football analyst Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast, my friend!"

Colin Montgomerie, captain of the winning European side at Celtic Manor in 2010, has said that if he were ever asked to take the reigns for Europe again, he wouldn't turn it down... especially in 2014, in Scotland, where he's from.

Will Gray from GolfChannel.com reports:

The leading candidates for the 2014 job have long been Irishman Paul McGinley and former British Open champion Darren Clarke. It wasn't until recently that Montgomerie's name re-entered the discussion.

"I thought it was between Darren and Paul until Darren said something, then my name was mentioned," the Scot explained to reporters. "I've never canvassed, as I didn't last time. I've not spoken to anybody about this. But I've always felt that if I was asked I would do it, and that's still the case."

In what could be an awkward meeting of the minds, the 15-man tournament committee – of which Montgomerie, Clarke and McGinley are all members – will meet next Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, after which a captain for 2014 (and possibly 2016) is expected to be announced. The timing of Montgomerie's sudden surge in consideration is eerily similar to 2010, when his name was put forth by Henrik Stenson and the Scot was confirmed as captain shortly thereafter.

"We were asked to keep quiet, but the rumor mill spread and I became 1/50 from 50/1," he recalled. "Nothing to do with me – I don't know how to place a bet."

Montgomerie's name gained traction after comments last month from Darren Clarke, who noted following the U.S. announcement of Tom Watson as its leading man that the European counterpart would need a "huge presence."

Will that huge presence be Monty? If it is, it would surprise a lot of people.